Marlene Goodwin

Marlene Goodwin

Age 82 of Wesley Township, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, April 1, 2017 at Miller Rehabilitation Center in Kankakee.

Born March 29, 1935 in Joliet, Marlene Ann was a daughter of the late Frederick and Loretta (Heisner) Gill. She was raised and educated in Green Garden Township, and graduated from Peotone High School with the class of 1953. In that same year, on December 20th, Marlene married Erwin Brock Goodwin at her Grandma Gill’s farm in Green Garden Township. In the beginning of their marriage Erwin was serving in the U.S. Army which led the newlyweds to call Junction City, Kansas  their first home. After being honorably discharged they happily moved back to Illinois where they settled in Wesley Township.  Marlene was an active member of the Ritchey United Methodist Church, and over the years held employment as a secretary for the Joliet Arsenal and then later at WKAN radio station in Kankakee. She also worked for the Gardner Post Office. In her free time Marlene took pride in raising canaries and growing African violets in her home.  She also enjoyed  to crochet and quilt.  Marlene was a great cook, known for her peanut brittle and canned preserves. She will also be remembered for her award winning no bake banana, pineapple, and cherry cake. Marlene loved to dance, and when she could get Erwin out of the fields after a hard day’s work, they took pleasure in square dancing and ballroom dancing.  After retirement Marlene loved to vacation, and her favorite destination was Branson, Missouri.  As a wife, mother and grandmother, Marlene's  most memorable and treasured times were spent with her family. She truly cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 63 years, Erwin; two children: Ken (Debbie) Goodwin and Janet (David) Sullivan, both of Wesley Township; three grandchildren: Danielle (Brian) Spangler of Avon, Indiana, Katie (Ryan) Rose of New Jersey and Kristyn Goodwin of Wesley Township; three great-grandchildren: Ella Grace, Addison Faith and Everett Alan; two brothers: Norman (Carolyn) Gill of Joliet and Glenn (Sharon) Gill of Manhattan; sister-in-law: Helen McGranahan of Springfield and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many close friends.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers-in-law: William and Frank Goodwin and one sister-in-law: Phyllis Summers.

Per Marlene’s wishes green flameless cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service 10:00 a.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Pastor Brent K. Phillips will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made as gifts in Marlene’s memory to the Ritchey United Methodist Church.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Marlene’s memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Green flameless cremation and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)